Tour of duty in China part 1

Traveling in China in 1999
Portrait of children in Xiahe, China

People ask me sometimes "How did you get in Thailand?" and I answer "By airplane". But in reality it was a bit more complex, so I did write some postings about that. I did write a few stories with photos about it and I call that Blast from the past. Here are two photos made in Xiahe (China) while on tour in China in 1999. This place was one of the most impressive places to visit during my all 4 weeks tour in China.

Traveling in China in 1999
Young monks at the footsteps of the Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, China

🌍 Xiahe, Gannan, Gansu, China

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Small creek between the trees Reposting from 2016. Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary is at the Phu Luang mountain area in Loei province and is part of the Luang Prabang mountain range Eco-system. Although the Phu Luang mountain is accessible from different places, the wildlife sanctuary entrance is at the north side. Access to here is a road from route 21 (203) between Phu Rua and Loei city. It takes you about 14 km to the entrance of the National Park. Entrance fee for Thai is 20 Thai baht while non-Thai have the privilege of paying 10 times as much (200 Thai baht). After the entrance it is another 14 km driving to the HQ at 1.400 meter high. Be aware that the last 7 km of this road has some very steep parts. I would not recommend to drive this with a mini-van. Actually a 4WD car would be best. Be also aware that in the raining season access to the park is closed. At the HQ op top are some simple rooms in bungalows and tents for rent. The tents look good and well taken care of. You ev
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Travelling along the Mekong River in Loei province

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View over the Mekong River in Thailand Reposting from 2017. After visiting Phu Phrabat Historical Park we did travel along the  Mekong River  to Chiang Khan. We did follow the Mekong river along the mountains and there are many stunning views, small villages, temples and waterfalls. What a stunning landscapes! It is that time of the year that the rice is ready to be harvested and it looks beautiful in the afternoon sunlight. And end November the shadows are so beautiful long. We did stay overnight in Chiang Khan in one of the many hotels along the riverside. Although Chiang Khan is overrun by Thai tourism, it is still a relax and nice place with family style shops, restaurants and small hotels. But I would not recommend to go in the weekend or public holidays. The next day we traveled along the the Thai-Lao border to the international border crossing at Thali. While on the way you will pass the place where the Mekong River becomes again (for the second time) a border between Thai
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Happy Buddha at the Golden Triangle - North Thailand Reposting from 2015. We made a beautiful trip along the Mekong River from Mai Sai to the point where the Mekong River starts to be the border between Thailand and Laos. And then following the river until the point where the river enters Laos for the first time. You will need your own transport but traveling east of Mai Sai along the not anymore so mighty Mekong River (Mae Nam Khong) one comes in a all new area of Thailand bordering with Laos where you are passing the Golden Triangle (stop at the Hall of Opium), Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong (border crossing to Laos) and Wiang Kaen to go in direction Chiang Kham but not before you visit Phu Patang and Phu Chi Fa  and Doi Pha Tang. For me it was really one of Thailand's most remarkable trips, reasonable good roads, not much tourists and even for me as long term resident of Thailand it did feel like I was on holiday in a foreign country. Stunning view along the Mekong River and fro
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Tai Lue party in Pua

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